RSBG earns three tourism awards in ‘Best in the PNW’
The Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden wins big in Seattle Time’s 2023 Best in the PNW contest – an inspiring accomplishment for the small non-profit.
For first time visitors to the Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden (RSBG), it can be a life-changing event. For Federal Way residents, the woodland garden feels like an other-worldly escape right in their backyard. Each year, close to 30,000 nature lovers from all over the globe visit the garden to experience an enchanted oasis as each trail transports explorers on a unique nature adventure.
In the Seattle Time’s 2023 Best in the PNW, RSBG placed silver for Best Tour, Best Family Attraction, and Best Day Trip. Recognized by locals as the city’s hidden gem, and regarded as the crown jewel of Federal Way, loyal supporters and dedicated members showed the region why their favorite woodland garden should receive this recognition.
“Although most people think about visiting the garden at peak spring bloom, it is worth noting that the RSBG has one of the finest displays of fall foliage color on the west coast,” shared Steve Hootman, RSBG Executive Director and Curator. “Mid-October to mid-November is typically the best time to see the brightest colors.”
Though the RSBG hosts the largest collection of Rhododendron species in the world, its collection of companion plants, including the famous Himalayan blue poppies, camellias, magnolias, Japanese maples, and many rare plants beckon sightseers to return year after year. The 22-acre garden boasts 13 unique features including a tropical conservatory, Victorian stumpery, gift shop and onsite nursey – snuggled in a forest of Douglas fir, western red cedar, hemlock and other native plants.
“We are humbled to be supported in this way,” said Natalie Ries, RSBG Marketing and Outreach Manager. “Our members, visitors, staff and volunteers keep the garden alive and thriving for the enjoyment of everyone, and gardeners of all ages.”
Established by the Rhododendron Species Foundation in 1964, the garden has a long and storied history of rare plant hunting explorations and rescuing endangered plant species from the brink of extinction. At its core, the RSBG’s mission is one of conservation, research, cultivation, public display, and distribution of the Rhododendron species. The garden opened to the public is 1980.
Run by a small but mighty staff of horticulturists, volunteers, and support staff, the RSBG prides itself on offering plants for sale that their customers can’t find anywhere else. Gardeners from all over the world flock to RSBG’s nursery and catalog sales, to find the perfect plant to complement their home and garden. The onsite nursery is free for shopping.
“As part of the Federal Way community, we are proud to continue to provide rare and unique plant materials for our visitors,” said Atsuko Gibson, RSBG Nursery Manager and Assistant Curator. “You will find something new and special every time you visit. We ship plants all over the country, because we specialize in plants that cannot be easily found in other nurseries.”
Garden guests often ask staff how long it takes to tour the garden. The answer is as little or as much time as you have. Some individuals can speed through in as little as half an hour, while others may explore for several hours. The garden is open 10 am – 4 pm Tuesday-Sunday year-round. Visitors can plan their outing at: Rhodygarden.org/visit.
Don’t miss the upcoming Fall Foliage Festival Oct. 28-29. It’s sure to entertain with bold fall colors, fun activities like a costume contest to win garden prizes, and a kid’s scavenger hunt. Guests will dine on yummy food and satiate their cravings for sweet fall drinks, all under the blanket of falling golden-brown leaves. More information, including schedule of events and official costume contest rules can be found at: https://rhodygarden.org/fall-foliage-festival/.